Toledo Speedway

First condolences to the family of former B main champion Don Roberts who passed away on Dec. 12. Here's the link on the website: www.flatrockspeedway.com/articles/2004768-remembering-don-roberts

Long time Figure 8 driver, Randy Roberts is retiring. Here's the Facebook post about it. "Well I've had a couple of people call and ask if the racing rumors are true. To clear it up yes they are true, I have decided to retire after 16 seasons of racing and start doing some different things during the spring and summer and free up some time. I would definitely like to thank Dan Apperson for giving me the cars to drive for the past 16 years.  We had some good seasons and some bad seasons but all in all we always had fun.  It was a tough decision to make and I'm gonna miss it, it was fun getting to race with everybody in the figure 8 division-- made some good friends in 16 yrs.  Hope all of you have a great 2017 season.  I will still be at some of the races, just won't be in the driver seat."

Factory Champion, Derek Halka, finished third at Sandusky's Hangover race in the Moonshine Stocks (mostly Street Stocks and trucks) and finished fourth in the Champagne Stocks (open class). Tommy O'Leary IV finished 10th in the Whiskey Stocks (FWD).

Paul Pelletier, Super Late Model Champion.

His first championship was 10 years ago in 2006 with the others coming in 2010 and 2012. This fourth championship ties Paul with Rick Knowles, Eric Lee and Dave Kuhlman, for second on the all-time Late Model championship list behind Joy Fair (10). Here's his sponsors and crew Fraza Forklifts, Dusty' Collision. Wolverine Crane Service, Exotic Automation, L & M Hardwood & skids, ABC Plumbing, Blue Water Compressor. And a huge thanks to our crew, Nate Alex Nick Brian.

Greg Studt, Street Stock A division

Well he did it, he has won all the weekly classes between Flat Rock and Toledo with the exception of the Late Model Sportsmen Division at Toledo. Here's a nice article about him if you missed it on the Flat Rock/ARCA website … www.flatrockspeedway.com/articles/2004604-history-made-at-flat-rock-greg-studt-first-to-win-3-division-titles Here's all the ARCA championships: three Figure 8 (2001, 2002, 2013) and won the Late Model (2005) championships at Flatrock. He also is the only driver to win three different division championships at Toledo – Figure 8 (2001, 2004), Late Models (2005) and Street Stock (2015). This championship puts Greg fifth on total ARCA championships with nine (Bob Studt 19 (includes a co-championship); Joy Fair 17, Ron Allen 13 and Chuck Hall 12)

Jeffrey Kurzyniec, Street Stock B division

It was his second consecutive Street Stock B division championship. He is only the fourth multiple time champion in the B division (James Rae won four and Rich Abel has three and Bob Swanson two). "Great to win the championship wish I could have won on the track tonight at least I've been consistent this season to show a reason for winning the title. This one definitely feels better than last year's. Congratulations to all the other Champions this year. Sadly, this is probably how my season ends, been running the last few weeks with a tired motor so probably won't be running any more of the fun races. Thank you to my crew chief by committee this season Josh Frantz, Nick Frantz, Ron Frantz, Loretta and Jeff Kurzyniec. Really want to thank my wonderful wife Jessica Kurzyniec for putting up with my first full season of racing. It's very difficult running the full season but it's the only option if you want to run for points. Also thank you to my sponsors Base Hit Lawn Care and Tree Service, G & L Mac Tools, & B'raine Storm Printing. Time to get everything ready and hopefully have a very good 2017 season with new and improved goals."

Billy Earley, Figure 8 Champion

It was his second consecutive Figure 8 championship. He would like to thank: Sponsors are my dad "Gary", Steve Bunge at B&H Race Parts, Kevin Lapp Motors & Downriver Diesel. And would like to say thanks to Victory Lane Oil Change for sponsoring the Fig8 division!

Steve Needles, Gold Cup

He became the 10th different champion in 21 seasons of the Gold Cup Series. He won the first four races of the Gold Cup then had troubles in the final two races dropping out of the events. Tonight it was the drive pulley in the front of the engine that was the culprit. Even finishing 16th, he still finished 75 points ahead of Harold Fair Jr. to win his first Gold Cup championship. In his 11 years racing Super Late Models it's only his second career championship, his first being the SLM champion at Berlin Raceway (Grand Rapids, Mich.) in 2013.

"We've had some bad luck here the last couple weeks, some unforeseen failures that we've had. It's been an incredible season. I want to thank, Brian Short, Brandon Short, Doug Needles, Chris Modzeleski, Matt Modzeleski, Eddie Payne, Patty Needles (mom), Rachel McDonald (fiancé). The guys in the shop do a heck of a job and my car owner Brian Short gives me the best equipment that I could ever ask for. Once again, it's been an incredible season. Thanks to my sponsors Direct Detail, Amsdell Companies, Hutter Racing Engines, Allstar Performance, Bicknell Racing Products, Trend Performance/Diamond Racing Pistons, Driven Racing Oils. And to Royal Truck and Trailer for supporting our division.

Car owner Brian Short accomplished something no other car owner has in the Gold Cup Series. He's won two owner championships with two different drivers.

Silver Cup and Late Model Sportsman

Ron Allen finished second in the race. He was the first ARCA Sportsman Champion in 2000 and he can add to the long list of accomplishments, being the first Silver Cup Champion too.

1. "It was a very eventful race day at Toledo last night. We unloaded car, drove to tech and then car wouldn't start … got to trailer worked on it missed first practice. We thought everything was fixed, qualifying second. During the heat race and car just shut off, got pushed to trailer and went to work again. Finally, after a lot of work and searching with a lot help from crew and Clayton from Fastime Engine and Parts, got it running ad thought was all set but, nope. When heading out for feature the car would not start again. I got outta car and thought night was over but somehow I got it stated. The car was right during feature but got to second and was just riding hoping to finish race. We did finish and won the Silver Cup Championship and also took over the points lead for the season. I want to thank my crew, Michelle. Jamie, Lenny, Jimmie, Gary, and sponsors Fastime Racing Engines & Parts, Churchill Transportation and Giles Auto Body." For Paul Pelletier, it was his fourth Super Late Model Championship. His first championship was 10 years ago in 2006 with the others coming in 2010 and 2012. This fourth championship ties Paul with Rick Knowles, Eric Lee and Dave Kuhlman… the four drivers are tied for second on the all-time Late Model championship list behind Joy Fair (10). Here's his sponsors and crew Fraza Forklifts, Dusty' Collision. Wolverine Crane Service, Exotic Automation, L & M Hardwood & skids, ABC Plumbing, Blue Water Compressor. And a huge thanks to our crew, Nate Alex Nick Brian.

1. Late Model Sportsman division, Allen swept both LMS two championships. It is Ron's 14th championship. Only Bob Studt (19) and Joy Fair (17). "Well the 2016 racing season has ended … had a good season with two wins and four second place finishes and capping it off with the 2016 Silver Cup Championship and the 2016 LMSP season championship. I must say I could not have done this without my crew. Michelle, Jamie, Jimmie, Lenny and Gary. Thank you all very much! To my sponsors Fastime Racing Engines & Parts – great new trouble free engine, Churchill Transportation, Giles Auto Body and Dillon Race Cars thank you for your help, and support in making this year a success."

Derek Halka won his first championship in the Factory Stocks in his rookie season.

Jimmy Tucker, Enduro Champion

"I'd like to thank my sponsors Jim's Industrial Catering, Quarter King Racing, Superior Radiator, J&D Auto Care, Bahama Bronze Tanning, Hoosier Tire, Rock Vinyl. Thanks to everyone one that's helped me out this year Tommy Gullett , Tom Tucker, John Stajninger, Jay Sommers and Kyle Maki. And a huge thanks to my wife for all her sacrifices so that I can race. And thanks to my Dad for all his help too. It was a great year and we hope to repeat it again.

Rob Moore Jr., Street Stock A Division Rookie of the Year:

2016 was definitely an up and down year for me. We had many frustrating weeks between parts failures, wrecks, etc. but through it all we managed to keep our heads high and win the 2016 Rookie of the Year Award! In 2006, my dad, Rob Moore, won Rookie of the Year. 10 years later, I did the same in my first season! My rookie season wouldn't have been possible without the help of my dad, mom, sister, grandparents, uncle, aunt, cousin, and my countless number of friends who helped me throughout the year. I would like to thank all of my sponsors for their help because without them, the funding wouldn't of been possible; Bayou Grill, DRC Restaurant, Fastime Racing Engine and Parts, American Dream #1, Sterling Paint, and Cisco. I am looking forward to an even better year in 2017!

Todd Burtscher, Street Stock B Division Rookie of the Year

"I'm very grateful to all of you who made me feel welcome and helped me navigate my way through my first season. I don't have any sponsors to thank, just all the people who helped me." I asked him if it was harder than he thought it would be. "Racing....maybe not as hard (I thought it would be impossible!...lol). The work that goes in to just getting a car to the track.....way harder!!"

Travis Earley, Co-Rookie of the year with Ricky Ferrell

Well I would like to thank The Man Up Stairs, Dan Apperson, my Dad, Billy, and my Grandfather, Gary Porkchop Earley and especially my Mom for the support even though she doesn't like the thought of crossing through the intersections with the Flat Rock Speedway Figure 8 pro's. Also would really like to thank ARCA for giving us place to race ever week we are thankful for you guy's. 2016 was an awesome year for the Earley family with dad getting championship and with me getting the rookie of the year … which I am very happy since my goal all year was to get that plaque and also win at least one heat race and in that, i did. I had a blast throughout the year learning the different ways to run the Flat Rock course, but a lot of the learning comes from inside the garage where I listen to Dan and Dad, and Grandpa Gary, where a lot of memories get made. As we all are I'm exited for the 2017 racing season just around the Corner. See Ya There!!!"

Miss any of the races at Flat Rock or Toledo… Mike Miller has a bunch up on YouTube. Here's his link to the thrills and spills video . Mike finished sixth in the Factory Stocks, tying his best points finish from 2015's X Car division. "I finished fifth in the Factory Stock Figure 8 race and that's my best finish so far, other than the thirrds I got in two flagpole races. I want thank my sponsors: Affordable Transmission, Big 4 Auto Parts, Budget Tire Co., and Tony's Tires. I also want to give a thanks to everyone that helped me out, first my dad and mom, Ian and Adam Jezylo, Frank and Robbie Loving, and all the drivers who gave me tires all season. I had a fun time with this new car hopefully next year will be better."

Some year end statistics..

1. Did you know that Jimmy Theil was the only driver that was a repeat winner in the Super Late Model division in 2016. Two drivers scored their first career ARCA Late Model wins, Corey Duane and oddly the next race, Craig Everage. Stan Yee Jr., Paul Pelletier won weekly races with Steve Needles (Joy Fair Memorial) and Dakota Carlson (Stan Yee Memorial) winning Gold Cup races.
2. Ray Morneau Jr. won the most Street Stock A Division features, with Greg Studt winning two races. Kyle Worley won the first A division feature of the year and the last one. Jeremy Vanderhoof won his first Street Stock A Division feature, with Tim Moore, Nick Shanks, Landon Shuster also winning A division features.
3. Rich Abel won five Street Stock B Division features 2016 features. James Pankow also won multiple races, winning two features. Todd Burtscher, James Baber won their first career features. Think it was Troy Brehmer's first B division win and Don Roberts also won a feature.
4. Billy Earley is the only champion at Flat Rock this season to win the most wins in his division, winning three races in the Figure 8s. Dan Apperson won two with Jeremy Vanderhoof, Greg Studt, Robbie Loving, Dennis Whisman Sr each winning one race.
5. In the Gold Cup, Steve Needles set a couple records in the series, not only being the first driver to win four races in a season, but to do it in consecutive races.
6. The SLM division had eight different winners in 2016 in nine races held.
7. The Street Stock A Division had seven different winners in the 11* races contested.
8. The Street Stock B Division had six different winners in their 11* races.
9. The Figure 8s had seven different winners in 10* races
10. *The Figure 8s and Street Stock A and B divisions includes a non-points race at season end.

Things you might've missed in the off season.

1. The Late Models will have their semi-weekly 50 lap races, the 100 lap Joy Fair Memorial, the 150 lap Stan Yee Memorial and a 75-lap race in August (12) race with the CRA division.
2. Figure 8s will have a special 40 lap race at Toledo and at Flat Rock.
3. And for the first time I can remember, if championship night rains out, there will be one more try to get it in.
4. ARCA Gold Cup Races (Super Late Models): April 22 (Toledo), May 27 (Flat Rock), July 1 (Saturday night, Toledo), July 22 (Flat Rock), Aug. 5 (Saturday night, Toledo). The last few years there's been some co-sanctioned races with the Main Event Series, no word whether there will be any in 2017.
5. ARCA Silver Cup Races (LM Sportsman): June 24 (Flat Rock), July 1 (Saturday night, Toledo), Aug. 11 (Toledo).
6. Here's the link for the rest of the announcement: www.flatrockspeedway.com/articles/2004744-flat-rock-toledo-speedway-bulletin-12-12-16
7. Flat Rock Schedule www.flatrockspeedway.com/downloads/18556-2017-fr-schedule/download
8. Toledo Schedule www.toledospeedway.com/downloads/18558-2017-toledo-schedule/download 
9. Two time Gold Cup champion Dakota Carlson announced his retirement on Facebook, "After 21 years of racing it's time to move onto other things in life, to say I'm not going to miss it would be a huge lie, I can't thank Tony & Denice enough for what they have done for me. As well as Mike, Alan, Ron & Bob. Without you guys we wouldn't have had these great years. And most of all my dad for all these years from go-carts on up, wouldn't have traded it for the world."
10.  
11.  

Happy New Year, and just think, about four months until the 2017 season!

If you have any new sponsors, changing divisions, send them to me at icechips@hotmail.com.